Tuga Pops − Friday, October 8, 2021, 5 Years ago in Sandwich Recipes
5 out of 5 with 4 ratings

Portuguese Garlic Steak Sandwich Recipe: The Ultimate Prego

Craving a juicy, garlicky bite? Sizzle up this authentic Portuguese Prego in minutes! Grab your favorite roll and dive into a taste of Lisbon today. Sizzle up this authentic Portuguese Prego in minutes! Grab your favorite roll and dive into a taste of Lisbon today.
20 min 1 servings Very Easy Prep time 10 min Cooking Time 10 min

You will love this Portuguese Garlic Steak Sandwich Recipe: The Ultimate Prego

Experience the soul of Lisbon with this Portuguese Garlic Steak Sandwich. Known as the Prego, this easy steak sandwich features thin, tenderized blade steak seared to perfection in a pool of garlic-infused olive oil and fiery chili. It's a high-protein lunch that delivers a punchy, bold aroma and a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture in under 20 minutes. Pure, rustic satisfaction.


Ingredients

2 thin marinated blade steaks (approx. 170g / 6oz total)2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil2 garlic cloves, chopped2 hot red chili peppers1 Portuguese style bread roll or papo-seco

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Set a saucepan over high heat. Place the two pieces of blade meat in the pan and sear for 3 minutes until deeply browned.
  2. Flip the steaks. Immediately add the chopped garlic cloves, red peppers, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, allowing the aromatics to sizzle and infuse the oil.
  3. Cook for another 3 minutes until the second side is browned and the garlic is golden and fragrant.
  4. Slice the Portuguese bread roll in half. Place the blade steaks inside, pouring the garlic, peppers, and flavorful cooking oil over the meat before closing the sandwich and serving hot.

Recipe Tips

  • For maximum flavor, marinate the blade steaks overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and chopped chili peppers. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors deeply, resulting in a more aromatic and spicy sandwich.
  • When cooking the steaks, ensure your skillet or grill is preheated to a high temperature. This will help achieve a nice sear on the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than searing.
  • To enhance the sandwich, consider toasting the Portuguese bread roll lightly before assembling. This adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy steak and can prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the meat juices.
Adapted from a Recipe by: easyportugueserecipes.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
585 kcal
Fat
34 g
Carbs
32 g
Protein
38 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute blade steak with another cut of meat?

Yes, you can substitute blade steak with other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. Just ensure they are thinly sliced to achieve the desired tenderness and cooking time.

How can I store leftovers of the Prego sandwich?

If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the steak and bread separate to maintain the texture of the bread.

What if I don't have Portuguese bread rolls?

If you can't find Portuguese bread rolls, you can use other crusty bread like ciabatta, baguette, or any sturdy sandwich roll. Just make sure the bread can hold the filling without becoming soggy.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Douro Red - This wine's rich fruit flavors and balanced acidity complement the savory and spicy notes of the garlic steak sandwich.

General: Malbec - A Malbec's bold fruitiness and smooth tannins enhance the robust flavors of the steak while standing up to the heat of the chili peppers.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's crispness and light malt profile make it a refreshing choice that balances well with the richness of the steak.

General: Pale Ale - A Pale Ale offers a nice hoppy bitterness that can cut through the richness of the sandwich while complementing its flavors.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A shot of espresso provides a bold, rich coffee flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.

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Reviews (6) Add a review

William Truesdale
William Truesdale
Hello Tuga Pops

I was replying to Gary Marshal's question about “blade meat”, which is a pork dish and as far as I know, it is Portuguese and very similar to Cacoila (sort of)
3 Months ago, Saturday, March 14, 2026

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
You are correct, sorry about that.
3 Months ago, Saturday, March 14, 2026

William Truesdale
William Truesdale
Gary Marshall: The closest thing I've found to the blade meat recipe that I remember from the Park Tavern in Attleboro,Mass is from a guy on YouTube that goes by “Behind The Garage BBQ” in an episode called “Spicy Pork Sandwich”. I make it often with different cuts of pork. Pork Butt, Pork Shoulder, Pork Loin, etc.
3 Months ago, Saturday, March 14, 2026

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear William, but a "prego" is made with beef, and a "bifana" is made with pork, confusing I know. lol
3 Months ago, Saturday, March 14, 2026

Gary Marshall
Gary Marshall
Still looking for the recipe for making blade meat. Haven't had it since I was a kid and been dying to make it
4 Years ago, Monday, May 9, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Sorry Gary, I did look but haven't been able to find anything. It's very hard to find a recipe for chuck primal cut, specially Portuguese.

4 Years ago, Monday, May 9, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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